You're eager to sink into the soothing warmth of your hot tub, but waiting for it to heat up feels like forever. As the minutes drag on, you might wonder—can turning on the jets speed things up? Some hot tub owners swear by it, claiming that increased water circulation helps distribute heat more efficiently. Others argue that jets introduce cooler air into the water, which slows the process down. So, what's the truth? 

In this article, we'll explore the science behind hot tub heating, how jets help in the process, and the best ways to reach the perfect soak temperature faster. 

But before we get started, let's cover the basics.

How a Hot Tub Heats Up 

A hot tub's heating process relies on its heating element, which can be electric, gas, or wood-fired. This element warms the water through the heating coil or heat exchanger. The heater is controlled by a thermostat that continuously works until the water reaches the desired temperature, typically between 36 and 38°C (97-100°F).

The heater's efficiency depends on its output power, measured in kilowatts (kW). Higher-output heaters heat water faster, often increasing the water temperature by 5-10°F per hour. For instance, an electric heater rated at 4kW can increase the water temperature by approximately 4 - 6ºF per hour, depending on volume and insulation quality. Also, in case you are considering buying, check hot tub prices in our collection.

Water circulation also plays an essential role. The pump moves water through the heater to ensure consistent heating. This means poor circulation causes uneven temperatures in the hot tub and increases the heating times.  

We'll discuss more on this later. Also, while you are at it, learn the right amount of chlorine to add to a hot tub.

Why hot tub owners care about heating speed

Heating speed significantly impacts how quickly you can enjoy your hot tub, especially when you prefer spontaneous usage. A hot tub that takes hours to heat can deter you from using it as often as you'd like, especially if you have a commercial spa or wellness centre. Want it quicker? Check out plug and play hot tubs product range.

Prolonged heating consumes more energy – even more for people in colder environments – and raises utility bills. On the flip side, quick heating: 

• Lower operational costs.

• Immediate relaxation for you and your guests 

• It allows you to attain a comfortable temperature faster 

• Help you save energy, time, and resources

 Now let's get to the fun parts. 

The Role of Jets in a Hot Tub

Jets do more than create relaxing bubbles—they play a key role in circulating water. This movement helps disperse heat evenly, reducing cold spots and speeding up the heating process. Some advanced hot tubs even recycle heat through their jets, making the process more energy-efficient.

While jets increase heat circulation, mixing air into the water is also possible. This can lead to slight heat dissipation in colder settings as the surface area exposed to cooler air increases. To balance these effects, use well-insulated hot tubs to minimise heat loss. 

Advanced designs, like the H20 Retreat Plus 13A Plug & Play 6-person hot tub, also recycle heat within the insulated compartment and direct it back through the jets to increase efficiency: 

This method helps you achieve the desired water temperature quicker and improves your spa experience. 

Tip: For best results, use a durable, insulated hot tub cover to retain heat. 

Do Jets Help a Hot Tub Heat Up Faster?

Yes, turning on the jets can significantly improve your hot tub's heating process. Jets fasten water circulation, break thermal layers, and distribute heat evenly throughout the tub. This eliminates hot and cold spots and distributes heat around the hot tub. For example, when jets are active, water flows more efficiently through the heater, reducing the time required to reach the desired temperature.

Jets also contribute to energy efficiency. Some hot tubs feature advanced jets that recycle heat from the insulated equipment compartment, reinjecting it into the water. This process takes pressure off the primary heating system and accelerates warming. If your hot tub includes this feature, activating the jets during heating can make a huge difference.

Factors That Affect Hot Tub Heating Speed

Several factors influence how quickly your hot tub reaches its desired temperature. Some of them are: 

Ambient Temperature

The surrounding air temperature impacts how quickly your hot tub heats. On warmer days, heating times shorten as less heat escapes into the environment. Conversely, cold weather increases heat loss, makes the heater work harder, and extends the duration of heating. In summer, heating can take 2-5 hours, whereas in winter, it may range from 3-8 hours. 

What to do: Install your hot tub in a sheltered area or use a hot tub cover to minimise the effect of cold temperatures.

Insulation Quality

The quality of your hot tub's insulation helps to maintain heat and speeds up the heating process. Well-insulated hot tubs retain heat more effectively, allowing water to warm faster. On the flip side, poor insulation causes heat to escape, increasing the energy needed to reach and maintain the target temperature. 

What to do: Use high-quality insulation materials, such as foam or thermal blankets, to reduce heating times, especially if you live in cool areas.

Heater Power (kW Rating)

The heater's power also determines how quickly your hot tub heats. A larger kilowatt (kW) rating means faster water temperature increases. For example, a 5.5 kW heater heats water faster than a 3 kW heater—however, higher power often increases energy bills. 

What to do: Ensure your heater functions optimally and matches your tub to balance speed and efficiency. 

Water Circulation

Activating your hot tub's jets improves heating time by circulating water more evenly. Even circulation reduces temperature disparities and prevents hot and cold pockets. 

What to do: Run jets periodically while heating to ensure the warm water disperses efficiently and accelerates the process. However, if you're in a colder region, we recommend using an insulated cover before you turn on your heater and jets to heat the hot tub. Without this, the jets can mix air with the water and cause slight heat loss. 

Initial Water Temperature

The heating speed depends on the water's starting temperature. As you'd expect, higher starting temperatures reduce the time needed to reach the desired heat level. For instance, filling the tub with water from a warm indoor source speeds up heating compared to cold outdoor hoses. 

What to do: If you need cold water, ensure the hot tub is covered with an insulated, well-fitted cover to fasten heating times. 

Tips to Speed Up Hot Tub Heating 

Follow these tips to reduce the heat-up time of your hot tub: 

1. Use a high-quality insulated cover

Invest in a thick, well-insulated hot tub cover to effectively trap heat. Poorly insulated covers or those with cracks can allow up to 60% of your heat to escape through the water's surface. Look for covers at least 4 inches thick, with tapered edges and high-density foam. This prevents heat dissipation and reduces warming time. 

Tip: Test your cover's efficiency by placing your hand on it—if it feels warm, you may need a better-quality one.

2. Turn on the circulation pump instead of high-power jets.

Activate the circulation pump during heating to promote even temperature distribution. Circulatory pumps use less energy than high-power jets and still distribute the water effectively through the heater. Jets can speed up heating but often introduce cooler air, especially in colder regions. So, to conserve energy, rely on the circulation pump to optimise heating efficiency.

3. Preheat the water before filling the tub.

Filling your hot tub with preheated water can save time and energy. If your water source allows it, start with warm or hot water to reduce the heating task for your tub's heater. A heater with a higher baseline temperature will warm the tub more quickly. 

4. Keep the hot tub in a sheltered location to minimise heat loss

Position your hot tub in a location protected from wind and cold temperatures. Windbreaks, such as fences or shrubs, prevent heat from escaping, particularly during colder months. You can also place the hot tub indoors or under a gazebo to add an extra insulation layer.  

5. Ensure proper maintenance of the heating element and jets

Regular maintenance ensures your hot tub operates at peak efficiency. Clean the filters and check for wear on the heating element and jets. Inspect components annually and replace damaged parts to prevent performance issues.  

Conclusion

Understanding the role of jets in your hot tub's heating process can make a big difference in efficiency and comfort. Using jets strategically allows you to speed up heating, improve heat distribution, and reduce cold spots. Pair this process with a well-insulated, quality cover for even faster heating.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning on the jets help heat a hot tub faster?

Yes, turning on the jets helps heat a hot tub faster by circulating water and evenly distributing heat, reducing cold spots. This improves heating efficiency and allows the heater to raise the temperature more effectively.

Can using jets during heating increase energy consumption?

Jets can slightly increase energy consumption since they mix air into the water, which may cause slight heat loss in colder environments. However, intermittent use of jets balances circulation and energy efficiency.

Should I always use jets when heating my hot tub?

Not necessarily. Jets are helpful for faster heating and even heat distribution but are not mandatory for routine heating. Intermittent use is recommended to conserve energy while maintaining efficiency.

Does insulation affect how quickly a hot tub heats up?

Yes, quality insulation significantly impacts heating speed by retaining heat and reducing heat loss. A thick, durable hot tub cover and well-insulated materials can improve heating efficiency.

Can ambient temperature impact the heating speed of my hot tub?

Yes, ambient temperature plays a major role. Warmer weather reduces heating time, while colder temperatures cause more heat loss, requiring longer heating periods. A hot tub cover helps mitigate heat loss in colder conditions.

How can I speed up the heating process for my hot tub?

To heat your hot tub faster, use a high-quality insulated cover, activate jets intermittently for even heat distribution, preheat water before filling the tub, and ensure your hot tub is in a sheltered location.

Does heater power influence the speed of hot tub heating?

Yes, heater power significantly affects heating speed. Higher-output heaters, measured in kilowatts (kW), heat water faster than lower-powered models, providing quicker temperature increases.

Can jets cause uneven heating in a hot tub?

No, jets promote even heating by circulating water and eliminating cold spots. They improve temperature consistency throughout the hot tub, especially in larger models.

Should I use a hot tub cover while heating the water?

Absolutely! Using a durable, insulated cover helps trap heat, reduce heat loss, and speed up the heating process, especially in colder environments.

Is preheating water before filling the hot tub effective?

Yes, preheating water before filling your hot tub reduces the workload on the heater, resulting in quicker heating times and improved energy efficiency.